Defending democracy and voting rights

Voting sign on the walkway

The right to vote is fundamental to our democracy, and no eligible voter should be denied the opportunity to have their voice heard at the ballot box. Last week, Cleveland Foundation President & CEO Ronn Richard proudly joined more than 700 leaders across the country to sign on to a nonpartisan statement opposing discriminatory legislation and measures that restrict or prevent any eligible voter from casting their ballot. Please join us in sharing this important message for our democracy: 

Government of the people, by the people.  

A beautifully American ideal, but a reality denied to many for much of this nation’s history. 

As Americans, we know that in our democracy we should not expect to agree on everything. 

However, regardless of our political affiliations the very foundation of our electoral process rests upon the ability of each of us to cast our ballots for the candidates of our choice. 

Together, we all share a responsibility to defend the right to vote and to oppose any discriminatory legislation or measures that restrict or prevent any eligible voter from having an equal and fair opportunity to cast a ballot. 

For American democracy to work for any of us, we must ensure the right to vote for all of us. 

We call upon all Americans to join us in taking a nonpartisan stand for this most basic and fundamental right.